Diego Contento

Born in Munich to Italian parents (originally from Naples, they named their son after some footballer or other), Diego Contento has developed well and recently declared an intention to play for Italy despite representing Germany at various junior levels.

In order to receive that international call up, Contento needs to play regular first team football and two words make that a particularly difficult task right now: Phillip Lahm.

Used only flittingly so far this season as backup to his senior colleague, Contento has been groomed to ultimately replace the German international full back, but that might not be an easy task as Lahm looks more than capable of holding his own for a long time to come.

Just to complicate matters further, Austrian David Alaba is well fancied by Jupp Heynckes as being able to provide cover on the left side of midfield and also at left back at the Allianz Arena.

For Bayern’s part, they’ve done everything they needed to do. In addition to getting the best out of Lahm, they’ve also developed a more than competent deputy, ready to step in when required……but where is the fun in that?

Italy’s answer to Wayne Bridge currently resides in Munich.

"Possibly the most pleasing name to say out loud and has become a reliable full-back with an eye for getting forward. Probably needs a loan spell somewhere to really establish himself." - John Dobson (Journalist)